1SG Ralph Emerson “Izzy” Newman, Jr., US Army (Retired), 95, passed away on September 9, 2022, at his home near New Point. He was born on July 20, 1927, in Greensburg, the son of Ralph (Rella) Everett Newman, Sr. and Sarah (Sadie) Florence Hensley. In 1944, at age 17, he volunteered to serve in the US Navy. He entered the Naval Reserve in 1948. In 1949 he transferred to the US Marine Corps Reserve and was called to active duty at the outbreak of the Korean Conflict. He served in combat until 1952. After discharge he became a letter carrier for the US Post Office in Greensburg. In 1955 he enlisted in the US Army Reserves then transferred to active duty. From 1955 to 1956, he again served a tour of duty in Korea. Thereafter, he was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, MO, Fort Benjamin Harrison, IN and Fort Riley, KS. While stationed at Fort Riley his unit was sent to Germany during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. His first regular tour of duty to Germany was 1964-1967. He completed an additional tour of duty in Korea from 1966-1967, followed by another three-year tour of duty in Germany. In 1971-72, he fought and was wounded in the Vietnam War. He completed his career with a tour of duty in Germany from 1972-1973. On October 1, 1973, he retired from active duty at Fort Knox, KY with a total of 26 years of service and the rank of first sergeant. Izzy was also a member in good standing of the American Legion Post 129, the VFW Post 2695, The 23rd Infantry Division Association, the 1st Squadron 1st Cavalry Association, Inc., and the 196th Light Infantry Brigade Association
During his military service, Izzy was awarded the Bronze Star (twice), the Meritorious Service Medal, American Defense, American Campaign, Asiatic Pacific Campaign, World War II Victory, Army Occupation (Germany), National Defense Service with Oak Leaf Cluster, Korean Service, Armed Forces Expeditionary, Vietnam Service with 3 Battle Stars, Korean Defense Service, United Nations Korean Service, United Nations with 4 Battle Stars, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm, Republic of Korea War Service, Marine Corp Presidential Unit Citation with Oak Leaf Cluster, Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation, Vietnamese Presidential Unit Citation, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Valorous Unit Award (Army), and Good Conduct Medal with Seven Knots as well as numerous other citations and awards. In 2009 the Indiana General Assembly passed House Concurrent Resolution No. 39 honoring Izzy’s many years of service to his country.
Izzy married Helen F. Buell on December 23, 1950 and had three children. He subsequently married Leslie Ann Gwaltney on September 1, 1992 and had two children. After retirement from the military, he worked as the manager of the Greensburg Country Club for three years and tended bar at Link’s Tavern for 25 years, until fully retiring. His hobbies included tending a large home garden and canning its produce. He was a member of New Point Christian Church.
Izzy is survived by his wife, Leslie; his children- Steven G. Newman of Winchester, VA; Dr. Joel P. Newman of Jerusalem, Israel; Leslie K. Emerson of Noblesville, IN; Matthew M. Newman of Greensburg and Sarah E. Cates, of Greensburg; ten grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings-Carl H. Demaree, Paul R. Demaree, George R. Newman, and Sara G. Worley, as well as two grandchildren
Visitation for family, friends and those wishing to pay respects will be held on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, from 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm at the New Point Christian Church, 1815 South County Road 800 E., Greensburg, IN 47240. Funeral services will also be held at the church on Thursday, September 15, 2022, at 1:00 pm with Pastor Mark Vice officiating. An additional hour of visitation will be held before the funeral service begins. Burial with full military honors will follow at South Park Cemetery in Greensburg. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Our Hospice of South Central Indiana (https://www.crh.org/foundation/donate-to-the-foundation). To leave online condolences, please visit www.popfuneralhome.com.